Advice to the Younger Nurse Me
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"This is what reality shock feels like," I thought to myself as I stared at the little confused old man sitting on the edge of his bed, covered in blood from the IV that he just pulled out. It was... Read More

May 14, '13

LOVE the original post - such a relatable story at the beginning too :-)

I also have a few things to add--
1) If you have time during your shift - even just a few minutes - offer to help other nurses and techs. Of course, you won't have time to do this every day, but it will build so much goodwill between you and your co workers and really help your "area" or the whole unit run more smoothly. It doesn't have to be huge stuff - just passing a colace or setting up another pt.'s breakfast tray can be a big help to someone.

2) If you work in any sort of hospital setting where you have to draw your own blood and start your own IVs, WORK ON THAT SKILL!! Certainly ask for help if you need assistance, but you will be much less stressed if you become decent at it (which, unfortunately, comes only by actually doing it.)

May 14, '13

This is awesome. Thank you! I have been an LPN for 1 1/2 years in LTC and corrections. I remember the overwhelming feeling I had as I started my 1st job as an LPN. I have that same feeling as I have just finished my ADN program and face NCLEX as well as a new job. I had a wonderful LPN instructor that shared with me an article similar to this post. It serves as encouragement and I am very thankful.

May 14, '13

Cry PRN and get your ass back to work

May 15, '13

Can you give us a laminated list with everyone's advice? We need it! :-)

May 15, '13

Bravo!!!

May 15, '13

Thank you! I'm a new nurse and will remember this advice.

May 15, '13

Hi SarahLee, Well I have to say that is one of the most poignant pieces of writing I have read in a long time. Your list is not only for nurses, I think it applies to us all, especially 1-4. I was practically in tears reading it. I'm going to print it out and put it on the fridge for my children to see. Thank you for this, btw, you have a lovely gift for writing!

May 15, '13

In any emergency there is always only one thing to do: the next thing that is necessary. Do that one necessary thing and trust that the second, third, and so-on will come to mind as you need them to; not all at once. Trying to manage everything results in managing nothing.

4. Make yourself a lunch you can munch on when your floor is crazy busy. Things like H/B eggs, trail mix, Luna Bars, protein drinks such
as Special K water, bags of cereal that taste good dry, juices, etc.

5. Remind yourself often that you are only one person and can't do everything. A lot, but not everything.

6. Slow down and breathe!

May 16, '13

I am currently waiting on my acceptance letter, hoping to begin the nursing program this fall. I loved reading this and am going to print it out and keep in a handy place - thank you!

May 18, '13

20. When you get that feeling of anxiety mixed with panic mixed with adrenaline mixed with sheer exhaustion, remember that it will go way. Remember that it doesn't last forever. Find your method of stress relief.

Thank you for posting this, the last few shifts I've had my arse handed to me. I've saved this, printed it and will tape it to the inside of my clipboard.

May 19, '13

Airway
Breathing
Circulation.. AND.. ALL bleeding stops.. eventually.

May 21, '13

Thank you all for your comments and your additions to the list. Everyone has great advice!